Looking Ahead: 2018 OL

The Clemson Insider continues its “Looking Ahead” series with a forward look at Clemson’s top offensive line targets in the 2018 class.

After the losses of Eric Mac Lain, Joe Gore and Ryan Norton following the 2015 season, Clemson signed several offensive linemen in the last cycle, including early enrollees Tremayne Anchrum and Sean Pollard, and North Charleston four-star John Simpson.

Clemson returns plenty of experience up front this season in Jay Guillermo, Mitch Hyatt, Tyrone Crowder, Maverick Morris, Jake Fruhmorgen, Taylor Hearn and Justin Falcinelli.

Guillermo is the only senior.

Clemson currently has a trio of committed 2017 offensive linemen in Cincinnati (Ohio) four-star Matt Bockhorst, Hightstown (N.J.) four-star Noah DeHond and Citra (Fla.) four-star Blake Vinson.

The Tigers are almost full at offensive line in the current cycle, so here are the biggest names in the class of 2018 we’re keeping tabs on:

 

Jamaree Salyer – Atlanta, Ga.

Clemson offered Salyer on June 10, 2015. Salyer was most recently offered by Ohio State on July 13. The 6-foot-4, 325-pounder competed at The Opening finals in Beaverton, Ore., earlier this month and was named one of the event’s Final Five offensive linemen. Salyer has visited Georgia, Notre Dame and Alabama this summer, and told The Clemson Insider he plans to visit Clemson for a game or an overnight trip down the line. Salyer also told TCI that Clemson and Georgia are “slightly ahead” of the other schools in his recruitment right now. Salyer hopes to make a commitment decision next summer. He is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 3 player in Georgia, the nation’s No. 1 offensive guard and the nation’s No. 11 player overall.

Jackson Carman – Fairfield, Ohio

Clemson offered Carman on May 19. It is one of his 25-plus offers. The 6-foot-6, 290-pound five star is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 1 player in Ohio, the nation’s No. 2 offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 15 player overall. Carman last visited Ohio State in July. The Buckeyes are currently the leader for Carman, but Clemson’s offer is an intriguing one to him as his father lives in Charleston, S.C., and would be able to watch him play if he attended Clemson. Carman doesn’t plan to announce a decision until after his senior season.

Richard Gouraige – Tampa, Fla.

Clemson offered Gouraige on July 13, and Ohio State followed suit a week later. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound five-star is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 4 player in Florida, the nation’s No. 4 offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 25 player overall. There are a lot of players for Gouraige at the present time.

James Ohonba – Stockbridge, Ga.

Clemson also offered Ohonba on May 12. The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder has other offers from Alabama, Duke, Georgia, Louisville, Mississippi State, Missouri, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Stanford, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech. Ohonba recently visited Alabama on July 17. He visited Clemson on June 15, and said on Twitter he “had a great time.” The Tigers appear to be in good position with Ohonba for the time being.

Tank Jenkins – Montgomery, Ala.

Clemson offered Jenkins on May 12. The 6-foot-3, 245-pound four-star is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 4 player in Alabama, the nation’s No. 8 offensive guard and the nation’s No. 180 player overall. Jenkins has visited Auburn and Georgia this summer, and visited Alabama in March. Jenkins recently told AL.com he currently has no timetable for making a decision.

Nana Asiedu – Stafford, Va.

Clemson offered Asiedu on April 26. The 6-foot-6, 260-pounder visited Clemson on June 16 with North Stafford teammate and running back Devyn Ford. The two players also visited Georgia a few days earlier. Asiedu is rated by the 247Sports Composite as a four-star, the No. 3 player in Virginia, the nation’s No. 12 offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 104 player overall.

Trey Hill – Warner Robins, Ga.

Hill attended the first session of the Dabo Swinney Football Camp in June and came away with a Clemson offer. Hill has picked up offers from Florida, Florida State and LSU this month. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder is rated by the 247Sports Composite as the No. 10 player in Georgia, the nation’s No. 17 offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 137 player overall.

Kavesz Sherard – Anderson, S.C.

Sherard is a local product of T.L. Hanna High School. Clemson offered Sherard on April 23. Sherard is rated by the 247Sports Composite as a four-star, the No. 5 player in South Carolina, the nation’s No. 25 offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 216 player overall. The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder has other offers from Charlotte, North Carolina, N.C. State, South Carolina and Tennessee.